Even after 60 years, the father-son relationship in The Rifleman is still considered one of the best in TV history. This classic Western, which aired in the late 1950s, taught important values like honesty, respect, and the strength of family. For many people growing up during that time, The Rifleman was more than just a TV show—it was a part of their lives.
But beyond the unforgettable moments, The Rifleman is filled with hidden mistakes, interesting trivia, and fun facts that only the most dedicated fans would catch. So, let’s dive into some of these lesser-known gems from this iconic show!
The Historical Goofs: Who Cares?
Some people might point out the historical mistakes in early Westerns like The Rifleman, but who cares? Even with its little goofs, The Rifleman still delivered deeper characters and more heart than much of today’s TV. Every episode carried important life lessons, often about basic human values, and left viewers with a warm feeling.
The Stars: Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford
In The Rifleman, Chuck Connors played Lucas McCain, a tough rancher and sharpshooter who raised his son Mark, played by Johnny Crawford. Together, the two captured the hearts of viewers with their strong father-son bond and thrilling adventures in the Old West.
But even great shows make mistakes. Let’s take a look at some behind-the-scenes surprises that many viewers may not have known!
Lucas McCain: Fashion Forward?
It turns out that Lucas McCain was quite ahead of his time when it came to fashion! In the episode “End of a Young Gun,” Lucas is seen fixing a wagon wheel without a shirt. But here’s the catch—he’s wearing Wranglers, a brand known for the “W” on the back pocket.
The tricky part? The Rifleman is set in the 1880s, but Wranglers didn’t exist until the 1940s! Looks like Lucas McCain was rocking a trendy look long before his time!
Chuck’s Real Son Appears
The close father-son relationship on The Rifleman wasn’t just on screen—it was real. Chuck Connors’ real-life son, Jeff Connors, appeared in the episode “Tension.” In that episode, Lucas and Mark attend the funeral of their friend Sid Halpern. The widow’s son, Toby, was played by Jeff Connors.
Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014, but his appearance on the show was a touching moment for fans.
Casting Chuck Connors Wasn’t Easy
Getting Chuck Connors to play Lucas McCain wasn’t a simple task. The producers had to choose from 40 other actors, and Chuck almost didn’t take the role! He initially turned it down, thinking he could make more money freelancing.
But everything changed when the producers took their kids to see him in Old Yeller. After that, they made him a new offer, which included five percent ownership in the show. That’s when Chuck Connors officially became Lucas McCain!
The 1892 Winchester Rifle
One of the most iconic parts of The Rifleman was Lucas McCain’s rapid-fire shooting skills. In every episode, Chuck Connors would perform jaw-dropping tricks with his rifle, the saddle-ring carbine. What most viewers didn’t know was that the production used two identical 1892 Winchester rifles—one for filming and another as a backup.
Chuck Connors was actually that fast with the rifle, thanks to his athletic background in baseball and basketball, which gave him the quick reflexes needed for those rapid shots. However, the rifle was also modified for rapid firing.
A Surprising John Wayne Connection
Lucas McCain’s famous rifle had a surprising connection to the legendary actor John Wayne. Although The Rifleman takes place in the 1870s and 1880s, the 1892 Winchester rifle used in the show didn’t exist yet during that time. But it was the same rifle used by John Wayne in his 1939 film Stagecoach!
According to producer Arnold Levin, Lucas McCain’s rifle had a Hollywood history that stretched back to the Duke himself!
The Madera Hotel Mystery
The Madera Hotel was a key landmark in the town of North Fork, but it wasn’t always called that. In the pilot episode, “The Sharpshooter,” it was referred to as California House. No one knows exactly why the name changed, but some rumors suggest it was due to a change in ownership between episodes.
Johnny Crawford’s Blacklist Story
Johnny Crawford had quite an interesting start in acting. When he was just three years old, he worked on a movie with famous actress Rosalind Russell. But his first experience didn’t go as planned. Johnny refused to give back the chocolate bars he was given in the scene, which led to him being blacklisted!
He later joked about it, saying, “I don’t remember the movie, but I was one of several refugee kids in a scene with Rosalind Russell. They had to reshoot the scene, but I refused to give my chocolate back. I think that got me blacklisted!”
The Search for a New Female Lead
While The Rifleman focused mainly on the father-son relationship, there were romantic storylines as well. By season three, it seemed like Lucas and Milly Scott (played by Joan Taylor) might get together. However, by season four, Milly left, and producers began looking for a new female lead.
After reviewing more than 60 actresses, they finally chose Patricia Blair, a Texas-born redhead, to play Lou Mallory. Chuck Connors was deeply involved in casting, making sure they found the perfect fit.
Baseball Legends Cameo
Lucas McCain was a great baseball player, but he couldn’t quite compete with the legendary Duke Snider, who guest-starred on the show. In the episode “The Retired Gun,” Snider, a Dodgers star, played Wallace. Another baseball great, Don Drysdale, also made an appearance in the series.
Johnny Crawford’s Brother Appears
Johnny Crawford wasn’t the only Crawford to appear on The Rifleman. His brother, Bobby Crawford, played Freddy in the episode “Second Witness.” Both Johnny and Bobby gave impressive performances, earning them Emmy nominations in 1959. Bobby continued his acting career in Laramie from 1959 to 1960. Now 80 years old, Bobby is still alive today.
Chuck Connors Was Protective of Johnny
Off-screen, Chuck Connors became a father figure to Johnny Crawford. Johnny looked up to him, especially because of their shared love for baseball. Chuck took Johnny under his wing, teaching him many life lessons during their time together on set.
Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence, also became a father figure to Johnny. Fix made sure all guns on set were locked up after an incident in his childhood when he nearly died from a misfiring gun.
The Buddy Hackett Twist
One episode of The Rifleman featured a fun twist with Buddy Hackett, the famous comedian. Hackett played a father, Daniel Malakie, whose sons were arrested. The twist? Hackett, born in 1924, was actually younger than his “son,” played by Christopher Dark, who was born in 1920. Hollywood loves playing with age dynamics, and this was one memorable example!
Baby Boy as Baby Girl
In the episode “The Babysitter,” a baby girl named Fancy was actually played by a boy, Robert Anacher. It was a surprising bit of trivia for fans of the show!
Chuck Connors: A Pistol Expert?
In the pilot episode of The Rifleman, Chuck Connors was originally supposed to play a pistol expert. The role was meant for a different show, Gunsmoke, but the part was reworked for The Rifleman, where Lucas McCain became more known for his rifle skills instead.
Sammy Davis Jr.’s Impressive Cameo
Finally, the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. made a lasting impression during his time on the show. Known as “Mr. Show Business,” Davis wowed the cast and crew with his immense talent. His presence added a little extra sparkle to the already iconic series.
What do you think of all these behind-the-scenes stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
